Mine Eyes Look Toward the Mountains

By Doug Moser, National Alumni Board

Hello A/U Ranches mountaineering friends!

We are getting very excited to see all of you back at the A/U Ranches this August for what is sure to be the ultimate reunion. Whether you were on staff as a guide or a camper that majored in mountaineering like me, or someone who came to enjoy hiking as an adult, this is an event not to miss. The mountains are calling. Will you answer? It’s a must-do!

Doug Moser with wife Joy and daughter Annie

It was my love for the A/U Ranches and this beautiful valley with the spectacular mountains that caused me to pick Buena Vista as the spot to live full-time a few years back.

Going way back, I peaked Mt. Harvard as an eight-year-old camper. I still have fond memories of summer climbs that have continued to be part of my experience over the years. Like many of you, I was able to share this wonderful activity with family and have the enjoyment of seeing them adopt it as well.

In 2013, my wife, Joy, and I brought our two youngest daughters to Family Camp, where we peaked Mt. La Plata. This climb was a first for the three of them and a nice accomplishment. Little did I know what impact the Family Camp experience would have on all of us. We bought property and moved to BV in 2016.

The older daughter of the two, Molly, and her husband moved to Denver last year. The younger, Annie, wanted to move to BV for her senior year of high school and chose to get a degree at Colorado Mountain College in nearby Leadville. She also set a goal to climb all 58 fourteeners before graduating – and she finished them before the start of her junior year. Wow… who knew?

Back to the reunion: One of the most fun things about a reunion (in addition to the outstanding activities and beautiful views) is renewing the old relationships, reviewing the stories and maybe even telling a few tall tales. Something you may not have thought of, though, is all of the new friends you will make in the best environment in our lives.

Here are a couple of reasons not to come I’ve heard some of you voice that need to be debunked:

1. I’m not really practicing Christian Science any longer, and I’m not sure I would be welcomed. In a word: baloney! All alumni are welcome and loved. In fact, all Adult and Family programs at the A/U Ranches are open to Christian Scientists and their family and friends of all faiths.
2. I’m not sure I’m physically able to do mountain activities, so I probably shouldn’t come. The reunion staff will have a graduated daily schedule that will be enjoyable for every fitness level from Sir Edmund Hillary to Jim Gaffigan. Of course, this says nothing about all the regular camp opportunities for fun, from swimming to horseback riding and even pickleball (a favorite of mine).

Finally, the A/U Ranches family so appreciates each of you and would love the chance to welcome you home. The staff will always go the extra mile to make your vacation days the best ever. From exceptional food and lodging to an unparalleled range of activities, this Mountaineering Reunion truly cannot be beat. And we will walk the extra mile with you.

The mountains are calling you. Answer Yes!

Plans are moving forward for the Mountaineering Reunion during Adult Mini Camp at the A/U Ranches, August 16-22, 2020.
Mountaineering Reunion

Click below for up-to-date status of the reunion and all our A/U Ranches programs.
A/U Ranches Program Status